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Famous Landmarks in Yellowknife

Famous Landmarks in Yellowknife

Yellowknife Northwest Territories, Canada Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

Yellowknife's must-see landmarks provide insights into the city's history, culture, and natural beauty.

These sites offer excellent context for your visit and provide memorable experiences.

Landmark Highlights

  • Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre: Official museum and archives of the NWT. Displays on Arctic wildlife, mining/exploration, and Northern art. Free admission.
  • Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly: Features unique Northern architecture, seat of territorial government. Public tours available. Free admission.
  • Bush Pilot's Monument: Located in Old Town, offering panoramic views of Yellowknife, Great Slave Lake, and the floatplane base. Commemorates pioneering bush pilots.
  • Old Town: The historic heart of Yellowknife, with quirky, colorful, self-built houses and a strong sense of community. Retains gold rush charm.

Details on Iconic Landmarks

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

  • Typically open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays and public holidays. Plan 2-3 hours here.
  • Admission is free, making it an accessible and valuable resource for learning about the North.
  • Photography is generally allowed for personal use inside the museum; check for specific exhibit restrictions.
  • Weekday mornings are often less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful exploration of the exhibits.

NWT Legislative Assembly & Bush Pilot's Monument

  • Legislative Assembly is generally open weekdays, with tours available at specific times. Admission is free.
  • Bush Pilot's Monument is always open and free to access. The climb to the top includes stairs but is worth the effort for the views.
  • Visit Bush Pilot's Monument at sunrise or sunset for the best light (golden hour) for photography.
  • Early morning or late evening at the monument has fewer people, offering a serene experience with stunning views.

Check websites for current tour schedules and session dates for the Legislative Assembly.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (NACC): The premier venue for performing arts, often hosting visual art exhibitions in its lobby or gallery spaces. Check their schedule for current shows.
  • Local Art Studios in Old Town: Many local artists have studios in Old Town, some open to the public for viewing and purchasing art. Famous Old Town Glassworks.
  • Weaver & Devore Trading Ltd.: A historic general store that also sells Northern clothing and crafts, offering unique opportunities to acquire authentic Northern pieces.
  • Special Exhibits and Programming: Check local event listings, the NACC website, and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre website for temporary exhibits, special events, or cultural performances.

Historical Sites

  • Old Town:

    Yellowknife's most significant historical district. Its unique architecture reflects the improvised and rugged nature of the early gold rush days.

  • Giant Mine:

    A former massive gold mine. Not open for public tours due to remediation, but its iconic headframe is a visible landmark and a significant part of mining history. Interpretive signage is planned for viewing areas.

  • Floatplane Base (Old Town):

    Still an active hub for bush planes, it represents a living piece of aviation history, connecting the North.

  • NWT Veterans Memorial:

    Located near the Legislative Assembly, honoring those from the Northwest Territories who served in Canada's military conflicts.

Natural Attractions

Yellowknife's setting in the Canadian North means incredible natural beauty and unique phenomena are always close by.

Parks, Viewpoints & Wildlife

  • Fred Henne Territorial Park

    Offers serviced campsites, day-use areas, and a popular sandy beach on Long Lake for swimming and sunbathing in summer.

  • Frame Lake Trail

    A scenic 7 km multi-use trail loop around Frame Lake. Features accessible urban nature walks, boardwalks, viewpoints, and opportunities to spot local birds.

  • Bush Pilot's Monument Views

    Offers the best panoramic view over Yellowknife, Great Slave Lake, and the surrounding wilderness.

  • Ingraham Trail (Highway 4)

    Extends over 70 km northeast of Yellowknife, providing access to lakes, parks, and outdoor recreation areas, with scenic pull-offs.

  • Aurora Borealis

    Yellowknife's most famous natural phenomenon. Best viewed from dark locations outside the city lights on clear winter nights.

  • Wildlife Viewing Areas

    Frame Lake Trail offers sightings of smaller birds, squirrels, and occasionally foxes. The Ingraham Trail provides wilderness access where larger wildlife might be spotted.

Geological Features

Yellowknife is built directly on the ancient rock formations of the Canadian Shield, among the oldest rocks on Earth. Exposed rock faces are visible throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Great Slave Lake

The vastness of this lake is a natural wonder itself, providing a stunning backdrop to the city. Popular for boating, fishing, and paddling in summer; ice fishing and snowmobiling in winter.

Long Lake

Within Fred Henne Territorial Park, Long Lake offers a popular sandy beach and various recreational opportunities.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the main attractions, Yellowknife is a few lesser-known spots that provide unique experiences and local flavor.

  • Cameron River Falls Trail: A popular day hike approx. An hour's drive on the Ingraham Trail. Offers beautiful waterfalls and a scenic walk through the boreal forest.
  • Local Art Studios: Explore small, independent art studios in Old Town, like Old Town Glassworks. An opportunity to purchase authentic Northern art directly from creators.
  • Houseboat Community: While visible from the Bush Pilot's Monument, exploring the edges by walking along the shore in Old Town offers a closer look. Respect residents' privacy.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture the unique essence of Yellowknife with these photo opportunities.

From quirky street signs to expansive frozen landscapes, Yellowknife provides compelling backdrops.

Ragged Ass Road Sign

In Old Town, this quirky street name provides a fun photo opportunity, often sought out by visitors for its unique charm.

Frozen Great Slave Lake Winter

The vast, open expanse of the frozen lake offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset, with distant city lights or aurora as a backdrop.

Yellowknife Bay at Sunrise/Sunset

Yellowknife Bay is notably beautiful from Old Town, featuring colorful houseboats and reflections on the water, ideal for capturing scenic shots.

Local Favorites Rarely Visited by Tourists

Discover these unique spots that offer a glimpse into Yellowknife's lesser-known aspects.

  • Ice Caves (winter): Sometimes form along the shorelines of Great Slave Lake during winter, offering unique ice formations and photographic opportunities.
  • Snow Castle (late winter/early spring): A temporary castle built annually from snow and ice on the frozen Great Slave Lake. It serves as the main venue for the Snow King Festival in March.
  • Fred Henne Territorial Park: Offers an excellent introduction to Yellowknife's outdoor recreation options, popular among locals for its beach and trails.

Affiliate Resources for Attractions

Enhance your Yellowknife sightseeing experience with these helpful resources.

Attraction Ticket Booking

Plan and book your visits to top attractions and tours in advance.

GetYourGuide

  • Attraction ticket booking site for various Yellowknife tours and experiences.
  • Visit GetYourGuide to explore options.
  • Securely book historical tours, nature excursions, and more.

Local Information & Planning

For detailed local insights and trip planning.

Yellowknife Tourism Websites

  • Official Yellowknife tourism websites for up-to-date information on attractions and events.
  • Check local event listings for temporary exhibits, festivals, and cultural performances during your visit.
  • Visitor Centers offer maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations.

Museums & Galleries Information

For a dive into the region's heritage and artistic expression.

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

  • Serves as the main museum and central repository for the territory's historical and cultural artifacts.
  • Explore displays on Arctic wildlife, mining history, and contemporary Northern art.
  • Plan 2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit.
  • Admission is free.

Local Insights & Travel Tips

Making the most of your sightseeing adventure.

General Advice

  • Downtown is central and well-connected to public transit and many tour pick-up points.
  • Old Town is a destination in itself; walking is the best way to explore its unique streets and homes.
  • For best photography, visit scenic viewpoints during golden hour (sunrise/sunset).

Local Favorites & Emerging Destinations

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

  • Cameron River Falls Trail: A rewarding day hike with beautiful waterfalls, about an hour's drive on the Ingraham Trail.
  • Old Town Glassworks: A local art studio in Old Town where you can purchase unique glass art directly from creators.
  • Houseboat Community: Walk along the shore in Old Town for a closer look at these unique residences, remembering to respect residents' privacy.

Seasonal & Unique Local Experiences

  • Ice Caves (winter): Sometimes form along Great Slave Lake shorelines, offering unique ice formations.
  • Snow Castle (late winter/early spring): A temporary castle built annually on the frozen Great Slave Lake, hosting the Snow King Festival.
  • Fred Henne Territorial Park: Offers serviced campsites and a popular beach, a beloved local spot for outdoor recreation in summer.

Traveler's Tip

To make the most of your visit to Yellowknife's attractions, consider this advice.

Start at the Heritage Centre

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is free and an excellent introduction to Yellowknife's unique history and culture.

Start your visit here to gain context for other attractions and sightseeing locations around the city.